Melvin Harwood Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Melvin Harwood Dam, located in Mount Pleasant, North Carolina, on the Black Run Creek-Tr, is a privately owned structure primarily used for recreation.
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Summary
With a hydraulic height of 12 feet and a structural height of 17 feet, this earth dam spans 300 feet in length and has a storage capacity of 41 acre-feet. The dam poses a high hazard potential but is currently assessed to be in fair condition as of January 2019.
Despite not being regulated by state authorities, Melvin Harwood Dam undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and integrity. The dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment measures are not currently documented, but its hazard potential highlights the importance of effective risk management protocols. Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find this privately owned dam's unique recreational purpose and location in Cabarrus County to be of interest, especially given its critical role in providing recreational opportunities while also managing water flow in the area.
Dam Length |
300 |
River Or Stream |
Black Run Creek-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Nid Storage |
41 |
Structural Height |
17 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
17 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Melvin Harwood Dam